Bachelor of Science in Education – Speech-language Associate
Support students with communication and speech difficulties by enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Education – Speech-language Associate (SLA) degree program at Brenau University. This program is the first of its kind in the state of Georgia, and it prepares students to earn an initial certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and work directly with K-12 students to enact treatment plans and provide direct speech and language support. Graduates will be eligible for employment on the Georgia professional educator salary scale.
According to the US Department of Labor, there will be over 13,000 openings nationally for speech-language professionals per year over the next decade. To address the shortage of speech-language pathologists across the state, the State of Georgia has introduced the speech-language associate position, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to grow at a 15-21% rate nationally.
Brenau is the first university in Georgia to offer a speech-language associate degree program, and we are committed to educating highly trained professionals ready to meet the vast needs for speech-language services throughout our state. You want to make a difference in your community, and Brenau University is here to help you achieve your goals.
Program learning outcomes
- Work one-on-one with students to implement treatment plans and screening procedures
- Collect data and document the performance of your students
- Assist with research projects, in-service training and family & community education
- Be prepared for certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
- Assist licensed speech-language pathologists by providing educational support or direct intervention for students
Student opportunities
- Complete 144 hours of in-person clinical fieldwork and 100 hours of an in-person internship to apply your knowledge and graduate prepared for your career
- Learn in classes with an average of 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and receive personalized feedback and instruction tailored directly to your needs
- Take classes either on-ground in Gainesville or online, whatever works best for you
- Attend optional Zoom sessions for online and on-ground students covering a variety of topics including: preparing for the teacher education program, the professional roles and responsibilities of the speech-language associate and how to market your degree and make a professional resume as well as a LinkedIn profile.
Why Brenau
- Brenau education programs have a 100% pass rate on the Georgia Assessment for Certified Educators (GACE) content exams over the last four years.
- The BS-SLA meets the standards of all three of the relevant professional organizations:
- American Speech and Hearing Association
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-language Pathology
- Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
- All College of Education faculty members have worked in public or private schools are teachers or administrators
- The program director for the SLA is a licensed speech-language pathologist, with the real-world experience you need
- Meet regularly with a dedicated academic advisor who will make sure you stay on track in both your academic courses and your clinical requirements
- Access all of Brenau’s university-wide support services, including free tutoring, writing assistance and physical and mental healthcare facilities
Speech-language pathologist vs. speech-language associate
A speech-language associate (SLA) supports and works under a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to put the treatment plans into action and directly help students. Some differences between a speech-language pathologist and a speech-language associate include:
| Speech-Language Pathologist | Speech-Language Associate |
|---|---|
| SLP: Must have a master’s degree | SLA: Only requires a bachelor’s degree |
| SLP: In Georgia, Must be licensed by the Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology | SLA: Only requires certification from the GaPSC |
| SLP: Evaluates and diagnoses a client and creates a treatment plan | SLA: Works directly with the client to enact the plan |
Admission requirements
- 2.75 minimum GPA
- Gain admission to the Teacher Education Program after completion foundational education courses
- Must be a Georgia resident who intends to work in Georgia after graduation
Questions?
